How to Repair a Crack or Small Hole in a Wall

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Woodie's DIY will show you how to repair a crack or small hole in a wall. It's essential you fill them if you want a good finish when painting walls.

How to do it

Step 1

Clean out any dirt in the crack in the wall. Sand down any rough edges on the crack/hole with sandpaper.

Step 2

The type of filler you use will depend on the size and depth of the crack/hole. For hairline cracks use hairline filler, for deep holes use a big hole filler. A multi-purpose filler is good for all jobs. Always read the instructions on the packaging before applying the filler. There is a wide variety to choose from.

Step 3

Use a filling knife or a paint scraper to spread the multi-purpose filler over the hole. Apply the filler in small amounts to avoid putting too much on.

Step 4

Leave the filler to dry for the time indicated in the instructions.

Step 5

Use sandpaper to sand down the compound. This will get rid of any imperfections on the repair and will also help the repair blend in with the rest of the wall. Ideally wear a dust mask when sanding.

Step 6

To fix a hairline crack, use a hairline crack filler. Sand as before and make sure the area is free from all dust. Then apply the filler with a paint scraper.

Step 7

To fix a movement crack between two surfaces, use a flexible filler. Sand as before and make sure the area is free from all dust. Then apply the caulk with a sealant gun. Apply the filler with a steady consistent movement.